The Bill Chuck Files Nine to Know

Rafael Soriano has hit exactly one batter each of the last five seasons.

2012 was the seventh time in the last eight seasons that Bronson Arroyo permitted 200 hits. In 18 seasons, Pedro Martinez never allowed more than 193 hits in a season.

Rod Barajas struck out 69 times last season to go along with his .207 avg and 11 homers and 31 RBI. When Carl Yastrzemski won the Triple Crown in 1967, he hit .326 with 44 homers, 121 RBI and he struck out 69 times.

Javier Vazquez would be wise to come back with an NL club. In 2008, with the White Sox, Javy had a 4.67 ERA. In 2009, with Atlanta a 2.87 ERA. In 2010, with the Yanks, a 5.32 ERA. And, in 2011, with Florida, a 3.69 ERA.

If you are looking for a breeze on a hot LA night this summer, keep in mind that Josh Hamilton swung and missed on 488 pitches last season, the most in the majors.

The last time the Toronto Blue Jays made the postseason was in 1993 when they won the World Series. That season, Jays John Olerud (.363), Paul Molitor (.332), and Roberto Alomar (.326) were the top three batters in the AL.

Michael Bourn is primarily about speed which is why teams are probably nervous about the fact that his rate of successful steals have decreased from 84% in 2009 to 81% in 2010 and 2011 and 76% last season.

Josh Reddick averaged 3.96 pitches per plate appearance last season helped in large part by the 562 fouls he hit, the most in the majors.

Chicago was a painful place to bat last season; White Sox pitchers had the most home HBP (40) followed by the Cubs who hit 36 visitors at Wrigley.